Central Michigan University: Journalism professor pushed out of teaching

Professor Timothy Boudreau, a tenured journalism professor at Central Michigan University known for bringing provocative speakers to campus to challenge students' assumptions, was suspended after a former student posted a short video of him quoting a Supreme Court case involving the university's former basketball coach using a racial slur. Boudreau argued that the language was germane to teaching First Amendment law and that professors should be able to present legal materials accurately, even when they contain offensive language. CMU, however, investigated him for creating a hostile learning environment, criticized his use and display of racial and homophobic slurs, faulted him for not providing trigger warnings, and concluded that the university’s trust in him had been irreparably damaged. 

With FIRE’s help, Boudreau appealed and challenged the university’s actions as violations of his First Amendment and academic freedom rights, but CMU denied the appeal. The parties later reached a settlement, while Boudreau continued to criticize CMU for chilling faculty speech and prioritizing public image over open debate.